BRANDY & RAY J RETURN TO TELEVISION IN A COMPETITION SHOW

Brandy will be returning to television next month via the Fox cooking show My Kitchen Rules. The 37-year old former Zoe Ever After star will be joined by brother Ray-J, as well as fellow contestants Andrew Dice Clay, Naomi Judd, and Brandi Glanville.

The 60-minute unscripted series will pit celebrity duos against each other. Each team will take turns hosting dinner parties where they will critique each other’s meals, as well as try to impress real life chefs Curtis Stone (Top Chef Masters) and Cat Cora (Iron Chef America).

My Kitchen Rules is set to debut Thursday, January 12th as part of Fox’s revamped line-up, which now consists of fellow cooking shows Hell’s Kitchen and Master Chef Jr.

HERE COMES THE BRIDE..SERENA WILLIAMS ENGAGED!

Serena Williams is engaged to be married.

The tennis star revealed on Thursday that her boyfriend of almost two years, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, popped the question after whisking her away on a surprise trip to Rome.
Williams, 35, shared the news on Reddit by posting a poem, writing: 'At the same table we first met by chance / This time he made it not by chance / But by choice / Down on one knee / He said 4 words / And I said yes.'

Ohanian, 33, later posted Williams' poem to his Facebook account, writing: 'She said yes.' He also commented on her poem on Reddit, writing: 'And you made me the happiest man on the planet.' 

Williams revealed in her poem that she came home to find her bags packed and ready to go for the surprise trip that Ohanian had planned for them.

'Someone had a bag packed for me / And a carriage awaited / Destination: Rome / To escort me to my very own "charming" / Back to where our stars first collided,' wrote Williams. 
She also included a graphic that showed her dressed in her tennis gear and floating on air as Ohanian presented her with a large diamond. 

Congratulations to the happy couple!  No wedding date has been set.

BLONDE KAYNE WEST ATTENDS THE KARDASHIAN CHRISTMAS PARTY

Newly blonde Kanye West, Big Sean, will.i.am and Tyga were all in attendance at the Kardashians‘ annual holiday party on Saturday, December 24.

Although an invite-only affair, fans got an insider’s look at the festive fete thanks to the dozens of social media posts shared by those in attendance. A series of snaps and selfies from the Kardashians and others in attendance helped document the party.

 

Kim Kardashian West made a social media appearance over the holiday weekend, a rarity for her lately.  The reality star attended her family's annual over-the-top Christmas party on Saturday night and was in several of Khloe Kardashian's Snapchats.

In one video, Kardashian told fans: "Look who it is in the house. Mrs. West in the building.

Kylie Jenner posed in a candid picture with Tyga, while Kanye and will.i.am appeared in a photo with fashion entrepreneur Miroslava Duma.

MARIAH CAREY CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN ‘HERE COMES SANTA CLAUS’ VIDEO

Gather ’round for a special holiday treat from Mariah Carey. The queen of Christmas unveils her Mariah’s World website with a naughty and nice new video for “Here Comes Santa Claus (Right Down Santa Claus Lane).”

Mariah revives the cut off 2010’s Merry Christmas II You for this festive clip. In a stunning and revealing sparkly red dress, she sings the holiday classic with a modern twist, backed by Jermaine Dupri’s ad-libs and production. Meanwhile, Santa Claus and Mariah’s twins, Moroccan and Monroe, frolic behind and beside MC, as snow falls on the joyous North Pole setting.

Mariah’s World isn’t just the name of her E! docuseries. It’s now also home to Mariah’s official website, which will feature daily content including articles, photo galleries, and videos.

Mariah plans to unveil video clips for “O Holy Night” and “Joy to the World” over the next couple days.



It’s been a festive month for Mariah, who performed at “VH1 Divas Holiday: Unsilent Night” and wrapped the third annual “All I Want for Christmas Is You” celebration at the Beacon Theatre in New York. She also appeared in a special Christmas edition of “Carpool Karaoke” and co-starred alongside DJ Khaled in “The Keys of Christmas.”

Now, watch her continue the festivities with “Here Comes Santa Claus” below:

DRAKE AND JENNIFER LOPEZ DATING....?

Drake and Jennifer Lopez have been spending a lot of time together lately, and sources who are around both of them tell us it's only a matter of time ...

Drake rented out Delilah restaurant in WeHo Monday night, and J Lo was his guest. We're told 20 others joined the party as the restaurant was shut down to the public.

As for what's going on ... we know Drake and J Lo are working on a music project together, and he's been to 2 of her Vegas shows recently. One source, who should know, says so far it's not what you would assume but it's pretty clearly going in that direction.

FUTURE & HIS ADORABLE SON SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER FUTURE AT ‘WINTER WISHLAND’ EVENT

It looks like there’s more than one Santa in Atlanta.

While Gucci Mane dropped The Return of East Atlanta Santa last week, Future played the role of St. Nick at the 4th annual FreeWishes Foundation’s “Winter Wishland” event in his hometown on Sunday (Dec. 18).

Hendrix was accompanied at the celebration by his mother Stephanie Jester, who runs Free Wishes, and by his sons Future Zahir and Jakobi Wilburn. Together, they celebrated the holidays with youth (ages 2-18) from the local Kirkwood neighborhood of Atlanta.

Guests were able to take pictures with Santa, and they didn’t go home empty handed. There were stacks of Reebok sneakers, ready to be presented to guests. Ford also presented a colorful Atlanta tribute mural at Bessie Branham Park that Future held up proudly.

“It means so much to be able to give back to the community that raised Future, and for Ford to support our vision of keeping art and dreams alive with the installation of this art, speaks volumes as it relates to our overall goal,” said Jester.

Future continues to give back. For Thanksgiving last month, he and his FreeWishes Foundation hosted the 4th annual Golden Wishes Thanksgiving Gala for senior citizens.

RAPPER 2 CHAINZ SELLS THE WORLDS MOST EXPENSIVE UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER

2 Chainz just helped one person take home the world’s most expensive ugly Christmas sweater — for a hefty price.

The rapper teamed up with his personal jeweler Avianne to drop what they are calling the “World’s Most Expensivest Ugly Christmas Sweater” at the not-so-affordable price of $90,000. The black sweater with a gold Santa Claus was designed by 2 Chainz and features 50 carats of diamonds and 250 grams of gold.

“This is extremely rare and only 1 sweater was made,” according to 2 Chainz’s merch website. “Proceeds of this sweater will go to charity.” 2 Chainz promoted his five-figure sweater in a tweet, in which he wrote, “$90,000 cash. 50 carats of diamonds and 250 grams of gold on the worlds most expensivest ugly Christmas sweater. http://2chainzshop.com.”

The item appears to have enticed one buyer as it is currently listed as “sold out.”

Earlier this week, the world was introduced to what was then-believed to be the most expensive holiday sweater, coming in at a whopping price of $30,000. The sweater, from Tipsy Elves, featured 24,274 individually-placed Swarovski crystals and took over a month to make.

Proceeds from the sale of the sweater will go to the T.R.U. Foundation, which puts its focus on helping veterans and disabled children, supporting arts education, and more.

"This year, the mission is simple - to help as many people as we possibly can," 2 Chainz explains on the foundation's website. "I want you, my fans, to submit stories about people you know that are in need. Whether it’s a neighbor, friend or a complete stranger, if you know they are need, please tell us their story. From there, we’ll select a few stories to donate our energy and proceeds from the new 2016 Dabbin Santa collection to."

THE WHITE HOUSE HOST THE CAST OF "HIDDEN FIGURES"

Michelle Obama is giving the new film Hidden Figures two thumbs up.

On Thursday, the first lady hosted a private White House screening of the biopic about three black female engineers and mathematicians who worked at NASA in the early days of the space race.

Cast members Taraji P. Henson, Octavia Spencer, Janelle Monáe and Kevin Costner attended the event, where Obama delivered remarks and praised the “remarkable” and “important” film for celebrating not only what America achieved by becoming the first country to put a man on the moon, “but, more importantly, how we achieved it.”

“We sought out the very best minds in math and engineering at the time, people with diverse perspectives who could think in ways that no one had ever thought before — people like many of you in this room, the people like Katherine Johnson, and Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan,” she said, naming the NASA employees Hidden Figures was based on.

“These women couldn’t even drink from the same water fountain or use the same bathroom as many of their colleagues … and folks didn’t always take these women seriously because they were black, and also because they were women,” she said.

There’s an important life lesson to be learned from these women, Obama said: “They didn’t listen to those doubters. They did not listen to the haters — because they’re always out there. They’re out there even today.”

According to Melfi’s tweet after the screening, the First Lady gave the film a “5-star review!” Mrs. Obama also delivered a speech on behalf of young girls in the education system, citing the real-life women portrayed in the film as inspiration for education.

2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL LINEUP MARY J. BLIGE, SOLANGE, & JOHN LEGEND & MORE

Although the year isn’t over just yet, the ESSENCE Festival is already gearing up for the new year with the announcement of its initial lineup, headlined by Diana Ross and Mary J. Blige.

The 23rd annual event will return to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans on June 30-July 2. So far, the lineup includes a star-studded roster of artists, like Chaka Khan, Solange, Teyana Taylor, Doug E. Fresh, Erykah Badu, India.Arie, Jazmine Sullivan, John Legend, and June’s Diary.

Other artists on the bill thus far range from hip-hop to R&B with a whole lot of soul in between. The roster also features Lalah Hathaway, Lizzo, Master P, Michel’le, Moses Sumney, Ro James, Shaggy, Sir the Baptist, The Jones Girls Feat. Shirley Jones, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Tweet, and Yuna. Additional artists will be announced soon.

“This year’s Festival lineup puts women at the forefront of an incredible weekend of entertainment featuring more than 40 of the world’s most gifted artists and performers,” said ESSENCE President Michelle Ebanks. “It is an honor to welcome the inimitable Diana Ross to the Festival for the first time. Plus, Festival veteran Mary J. Blige is back to share Strength of a Woman with her most passionate fans.”

This year’s ESSENCE Festival featured several highlights, including performances by Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey, Maxwell, and Puff Daddy & the Family.

Just in time for Christmas, weekend ticket packages go on sale Friday (Dec. 16) with prices starting at $126.

ROBIN THICKE 69 YEAR OLD DAD ALAN THICKE DIES WHILE PLAYING HOCKEY

RIP...Alan Thicke died at the age of 69 on Tuesday in Los Angeles. The Canadian-born actor was  reportedly playing hockey with his son when he suffered a heart attack, he was transported to hospital around noon where he was later pronounced dead.

He is survived by his wife, Tanya, and three sons, Robin, Brennan and Carter.  The Canadian-born actor had been playing hockey with his 19-year-old son Carter at Pickwick Ice skating rink in Burbank when he died, according to TMZ.

'Alan's sudden passing has been confirmed. At present, we have no further details,' Thicke's spokeswoman Monique Moss said in a brief email.

A source close to the family told Reuters by telephone that Thicke was transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.  

It is believed that some of Thicke's organs will be donated, according to the celebrity gossip site. 
Just hours before news broke of his death, he had tweeted on Tuesday about the Netflix Original series Fuller House, which he most recently appeared in.

He wrote, it what is now his final tweet: 'Season 2 Fuller House looking good. I even like the ones I'm not in! #fullerhouse.'

COUPLE ALERT? DRAKE DROPS BY JENNIFER LOPEZ’ LAS VEGAS SHOW

Jenny from the block is in Viva Las Vegas!

After surprising fans at PARTYNEXTDOOR’s show in Los Angeles, Drake hopped a flight to Las Vegas on Saturday for a special viewing of Jennifer Lopez’ critically-acclaimed Sin City show, “All I Have.”

Drizzy wasn’t just a fan, however. He was also tasked with the duty of holding Jenny from the Block’s bedazzled New York Yankees cap. “Sure I’ll hold your diamond encrusted fitted while you catch this Vegas body,” Drake wrote on IG. “#Jenny.”

 And it was all smiles after the show. He and J.Lo took a selfie and as Drake revealed in the caption, there were a “lotta” heart eye emoji faces throughout the evening.

“Look who rolled up to my show tonight to say hi,” wrote Lopez in the caption. “@champagnepapi #lovehim #jlovegas #ALLIHAVE.”

Kevin Hart, Kristin Chenoweth, and Benny Medina were also on hand to show support.

“All I Have” is set to continue at Planet Hollywood through Dec. 17. After a brief hiatus, the multifaceted superstar will launch the 2017 run of her Vegas residency on Feb. 8.

Meanwhile, Drake has opted to delay More Life to 2017. The project was slated to release this month, but it will arrive “at the top of 2017,” according to Drizzy’s manager, Oliver El-Khatib.

MISSY ELLIOTT & TLC PERFORM ‘SLEIGH RIDE’ AT ‘TARAJI’S WHITE HOT HOLIDAYS’

Taraji P. Henson ushered in the holidays with her annual Fox special, “Taraji’s White Hot Holidays,” featuring some of the biggest names in music.

Teaming up for a throwback performance of “Sleigh Ride,” TLC’s Chilli and T-Boz brought their holiday classic to life. Then, as a special surprise, Missy Elliott emerged from behind Christmas presents to perform Left Eye’s spirited verse.

The track was pulled from A La Face Family Christmas, the 1993 album that famously also spawned OutKast’s classic “Player’s Ball.”



The show also featured other performances, including Snoop Dogg’s “U Name It,” which turned a Thanksgiving meme into a banger for Santa Snoop.

Rolling in on a Cadillac sleigh, Tha Doggfather delivers “the gift that keep on givin'” while giving a shoutout to Taraji.

DAMAGE CONTROL: KANYE WEST & KIM KARDASHIAN ARE NOT GETTING DIVORCED

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are reportedly closer than ever, despite rumors to the contrary.

Following tabloid stories regarding a pending divorce, TMZ reports that Yeezy and Kim have been relying on one another even more than they have in the past, especially since her robbery in Paris and his hospitalization last month.

Since West was released from the hospital on Nov. 30, he has reportedly been resting and spending time with his children North and Saint. Yeezy feels so good, in fact, that he has reportedly started working again, while trying not to be overwhelmed by major projects. On Tuesday (Dec. 6), the report adds, Kanye and Kim went out for dinner at a friend’s house.

Some of this goes against a recent PEOPLE report that claims West did not go home after his hospitalization. “Kanye isn’t at home with Kim and the kids,” a source said. “He is instead receiving outpatient care elsewhere with a medical team. Kim still seems concerned but is supportive. They don’t know for how long Kanye will need outpatient care.”

In November, West was hospitalized due to dehydration and exhaustion. Later, it would be revealed that he also reportedly struggled with paranoia and depression.

GRAMMY NOMINATIONS ARE IN: BEYONCE, ADELE, & DRAKE TAKE THE LEAD

Queen Bey slays the Grammys. Beyoncé leads the nominees for the 59th Annual Grammy Awards with nine including Album, Record, and Song of the Year.

Her chart-topping and critically-acclaimed album Lemonade will vie for Album of the Year against Adele’s 25, Justin Bieber’s Purpose, Drake’s Views, and Sturgill Simpson’s A Sailor’s Guide to Earth.

“Hold Up” is nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance, “Don’t Hurt Yourself” (featuring Jack White) for Best Rock Performance, and “Freedom” (featuring Kendrick Lamar) for Best Rap/Sung Performance.

In the Record of the Year category, Bey’s “Formation” is nominated alongside Adele’s “Hello,” Rihanna and Drake’s “Work,” Lukas Graham’s “7 Years,” and Twenty One Pilots’ “Stressed Out.”

Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West follow Bey with eight nominations apiece, while first-time nominee Chance the Rapper scores seven nods including Best New Artist and Best Rap Album.

In the latter category, Chance’s Coloring Book will face off with Drake’s Views, DJ Khaled’s Major Key, Kanye West’s The Life of Pablo, De La Soul’s And The Anonymous Nobody, and ScHoolboy Q’s Blank Face LP.

Adele, whose 25 was the best-selling album of 2015, garnered five nominations including the three major categories—Album, Record, and Song of the Year.

The 59th Annual Grammy Awards will air live from Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Feb. 12, at 8 p.m. on CBS.

See a list of nominees click here for the full list.

KELLY ROWLAND PENS 1ST BOOK TO BE PUBLISHED WHOA BABY!

Kelly Rowland made her name as part of Destiny’s Child, and now she’s trying to help mothers fulfill their destiny after childbirth with the release of her first book.

Due in March, Whoa, Baby!: A Guide for New Moms Who Feel Overwhelmed and Freaked Out (And Wonder What the #*@& Just Happened) was penned by Rowland with the help of OB-GYN Dr. Tristan Emily Bickman.

“Dr. Bickman and I wanted to create an answer to what to expect after childbirth. No one told me what to expect physically, emotionally, or mentally,” explains Kelly. “The purpose of Whoa, Baby! is to comfort the mother and give her knowledge of what’s going on with her. We cover everything!”

The 35-year-old singer pulled from real life experience with the birth of her 2-year-old son Titan Jewell. According to a press release, Rowland “was also a little freaked out about what happened to her body—not to mention the overwhelming new thoughts and emotions.”

Now, fellow moms can learn from those experiences with Whoa, Baby! The book is set to hit stores March 28 through Da Capo Lifelong Books.

Being a mom has also impacted Kelly’s recording career. In April, she told “The Breakfast Club” that having a child has made it difficult to record her new album.

“For me, it’s a work in progress,” she said. “It’s truly a work in progress because for me, it’s been the hardest thing to record an album after this kid.”

STYLE SPOTLIGHT: FLOTUS MICHELLE OBAMA BEST FALL LOOKS!

As Michelle Obama lives her final days in the White House, it's only fitting we show how Michelle Obama style has kept the internet buzzing.

Michelle Obama wears a floral A-line dress with a bow around the waist and silver pointed-toe pumps with her dogs Bo and Sunny while greeting military families in the White House.

In another Michelle O'bomb looks in November she wore  Cinq A Sept peacoat black leggings and a classy pair of booties. While receiving the White House Christmas tree with her nephews.

FLOTUS wears a Dries Van Noten printed silk dress and gemstone earrings at the Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony in the White House.

FLOTUS wears a warm floral tea-length dress with bell sleeves and black pointed-toe pumps while addressing Veterans' homelessness in the White House. 

FLOTUS wears a warm floral tea-length dress with bell sleeves and black pointed-toe pumps while addressing Veterans' homelessness in the White House. 

he First Lady wears a navy Narciso Rodriguez coat, knee-length dress, matching dangling earrings, black suede over-the-knee boots and a black handbag upon returning to the White House with POTUS after campaigning in Philadelphia.

In a golden-brown multi-textured fall sweater, dark brown leggings, buckled ankle boots and hoop earrings at a Halloween event at the White House with President Obama.

FLOTUS wears a keyhole printed floral blouse, high-waisted wide-leg trousers and pointed-toe pumps while campaigning with Hillary Clinton in North Carolina.

Michelle Obama, such a class act.  We love your style!